The Commentator Musing Corner: Free of Charge

-The new catch phrase in Quebec is now "consulation populaire." Referendum was somewhat dated and stale; you know, like the Parti Quebecois. So, let's sprinkle some spices on the rotting meat. Oh, the cynicism. I have one: manipulation des idiots.

-And so it begins: Justin Trudeau is out to mend the nation. This I gotta see.

-Geffen on the Clintons: So much for the right-wing conspiracy. Once again from the top: no one should put too much weight into the words of Hollywood; a place of losers and sleaze. Speaking of conspiracies, with Hollywood coming out to support Obama what does this say about the whole "conspiracy" debate? Together they sway much power on the media. Would anyone doubt they tend to lean left? Once again from another top: It's not as clear cut as some people may think but I will say that the voices of true conservatives are rare in the media. Liberalism is a given and already discounted in the psyche of North American political identity. Make no mistake about it, Occidental culture is built on a bedrock of liberalism. Conservatives come along every once in a while to put them back into place. Think Churchill.

-Why does Pat Buchanan make so much sense about foreign policy?

-Britain unveiled a bronze statue for Margaret Thatcher. Just for putting an end to the scourge of socialism in the UK she deserves this. Britain has become far more productive since she smashed the unions - Quebec pay attention. One of the great political leaders of the 20th century, she also proved that women can be tough in a man's world. Hilary is nothing next to her. Yet, I somehow doubt feminists look to Thatcher for inspiration.

-Lindy Ruff for Mayor of Buffalo! Now! LOVE this guy. There is no team in hockey that has faced as many injuries and unfavorable calls as the Buffalo Sabres. Recall that this is the team that lost something like six regulars and FOUR starting defensemen and came within one period of knocking the eventual champions Carolina Hurricanes. So, what happened this year? Er, they keep winning. They're like that villain in Terminator that kept reforming itself. And you know what else? They never, ever made excuses. Amazing. Montreal hockey fans actually think they can take Buffalo because they can skate with them. Maybe. But in a seven game series the Habs have little hope. The Sabres will wear and tear you. Besides, the Canadiens lost one player in the series against the Hurricanes which subsequently took an immediate turn for the worse. We, of course, made many excuses for our loss. Therein lies the difference between the two teams.

-This is all you need to know about the Baseball Hall of Fame process: Jack Todd of the Montreal Gazette has a vote. I know many Americans who read this blog have no clue who this guy is and for this consider yourselves lucky. However, if you love baseball you should be concerned.